Posts
timewithgod.blog-city.com — September 2010
Acts 1 -- The Meat Of The Matter
Luke records a promise from Jesus: "When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power." What kind of power? "You will be My witnesses." In this chapter, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given.&nb
Luke records a promise from Jesus: "When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power." What kind of power? "You will be My witnesses."
In this chapter, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. So what did they do? "They all continued praying together." My commentary said there are several keys that unlock the secrets of blessing. One is when believers "dwell together in unity. A second key is given in the words ‘continued ... in prayer.' Now, as then, God works when people pray. Ordinarily we would rather do anything than pray. But it is only when we wait before God in desperate, believing, fervent, UNHURRIED, united prayer that the reviving, energizing power of the Spirit of God is poured out ... Unity and prayer were the prelude to Pentecost."
Father, my own prayer life has not been unhurried and for the most part it hasn't been fervent. I feel pulled by time demands from other areas of my life, and I need You to instill an urgency within my soul for more of what You describe here. We don't talk as often as we used to, and I want to change that. Start a work in me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
In this chapter, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. So what did they do? "They all continued praying together." My commentary said there are several keys that unlock the secrets of blessing. One is when believers "dwell together in unity. A second key is given in the words ‘continued ... in prayer.' Now, as then, God works when people pray. Ordinarily we would rather do anything than pray. But it is only when we wait before God in desperate, believing, fervent, UNHURRIED, united prayer that the reviving, energizing power of the Spirit of God is poured out ... Unity and prayer were the prelude to Pentecost."
Father, my own prayer life has not been unhurried and for the most part it hasn't been fervent. I feel pulled by time demands from other areas of my life, and I need You to instill an urgency within my soul for more of what You describe here. We don't talk as often as we used to, and I want to change that. Start a work in me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 2 -- What He Said
Peter seemed to surely have a very tough job - telling a bunch of hardcore Jews that they'd just murdered their Messiah. But how God preached through him: "Jesus was given to you, and ... you put Him to death ... But this was
Peter seemed to surely have a very tough job - telling a bunch of hardcore Jews that they'd just murdered their Messiah. But how God preached through him:
"Jesus was given to you, and ... you put Him to death ... But this was God's plan which He made long ago; He knew all of this would happen. God raised Jesus from the dead and set Him free from the pain of death .... Jesus was lifted up to heaven and is now at God's right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to Jesus as He promised. So Jesus has poured out that spirit, and this is what you now see and hear ... God has made Jesus - the man you nailed to the cross - both Lord and Christ."
That message caused a great feeling of guilt to rise up in the hearts of those listening, to the point where they could only respond, "What shall we do?" Peter answered, "Change your hearts and lives." I think it's important to understand that the change needs to take place in two areas: 1) our hearts - our internalized beliefs and thoughts, and 2) our lives - it must spill over into our daily actions as well. We need it to happen in both areas, for the rest of our lives. Just as Jesus defined murder not just as the killing of someone, but also the hating of someone, we are called to change not just our actions, but even our very thoughts.
The best illustration of that is one I borrowed from the movie, "A Beautiful Mind" where the main character finds himself constantly struggling, in his growing paranoia, to seek out hidden (non-existing) enemy coded phrases in ordinary newspapers. Realizing the effect these thoughts are having on him, he tells a friend that he has to stay on "a diet of the mind", not allowing himself to mentally sample or consume thoughts that he realizes are bad for him.
I'm sure most of us struggle with thoughts that are not godly. The words of Peter in this chapter call us to take hold of this diet of the mind - to change our hearts AND our lives, for the heart is where sin begins.
Father, thank You for helping me to hear the gospel message Peter preached. Thank You for calling me to Yourself, and to a diet of the mind. Strengthen me within - in that place where only You can see - and hold me to Your standards and not my own, for I am Yours and not my own.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
"Jesus was given to you, and ... you put Him to death ... But this was God's plan which He made long ago; He knew all of this would happen. God raised Jesus from the dead and set Him free from the pain of death .... Jesus was lifted up to heaven and is now at God's right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to Jesus as He promised. So Jesus has poured out that spirit, and this is what you now see and hear ... God has made Jesus - the man you nailed to the cross - both Lord and Christ."
That message caused a great feeling of guilt to rise up in the hearts of those listening, to the point where they could only respond, "What shall we do?" Peter answered, "Change your hearts and lives." I think it's important to understand that the change needs to take place in two areas: 1) our hearts - our internalized beliefs and thoughts, and 2) our lives - it must spill over into our daily actions as well. We need it to happen in both areas, for the rest of our lives. Just as Jesus defined murder not just as the killing of someone, but also the hating of someone, we are called to change not just our actions, but even our very thoughts.
The best illustration of that is one I borrowed from the movie, "A Beautiful Mind" where the main character finds himself constantly struggling, in his growing paranoia, to seek out hidden (non-existing) enemy coded phrases in ordinary newspapers. Realizing the effect these thoughts are having on him, he tells a friend that he has to stay on "a diet of the mind", not allowing himself to mentally sample or consume thoughts that he realizes are bad for him.
I'm sure most of us struggle with thoughts that are not godly. The words of Peter in this chapter call us to take hold of this diet of the mind - to change our hearts AND our lives, for the heart is where sin begins.
Father, thank You for helping me to hear the gospel message Peter preached. Thank You for calling me to Yourself, and to a diet of the mind. Strengthen me within - in that place where only You can see - and hold me to Your standards and not my own, for I am Yours and not my own.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 3 -- In The Shadow Of The Temple
This chapter records the healing of the man who'd been crippled since birth. Jesus had ascended to heaven, yet He was still performing miracles on earth. My commentary noted that just as this man lay in the very shadow of the Temple a
This chapter records the healing of the man who'd been crippled since birth. Jesus had ascended to heaven, yet He was still performing miracles on earth. My commentary noted that just as this man lay in the very shadow of the Temple and was ignored and unhealed by the religious establishment of that day, today we witness "poverty and ignorance which abounds in the very shadow of great cathedrals, and the helplessness of mighty ecclesiastical systems to assist those who are physical and spiritual cripples."
When Peter saw the man, he didn't avert his eyes as many of us might. He saw him as "one in whom the mighty power of God might be demonstrated. If we are led by the Spirit, we will fix our eyes on those whom God intends to bless, instead of firing blank cartridges and beating the air," my commentary said.
The man was begging for money to live, yet the wealth of the Temple was gathered each day within feet of him. My commentary told another story: "Thomas Aquinas visited the pope at a time when large sums of money were being counted. The pope boasted, "We need no longer say with Peter, ‘Silver and gold I do not have!' Aquinas replied, ‘Neither can you say with Peter, ‘Rise up and walk!' "
I think it's vital that, as the Church, we exam both what we're doing AND what we're not doing, on a regular basis, in order that we can constantly insure that we are being the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth while He resides in Heaven at God's right hand.
Father, help me to be about Your will with those in need both physically and spiritually. Don't let me forget that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
When Peter saw the man, he didn't avert his eyes as many of us might. He saw him as "one in whom the mighty power of God might be demonstrated. If we are led by the Spirit, we will fix our eyes on those whom God intends to bless, instead of firing blank cartridges and beating the air," my commentary said.
The man was begging for money to live, yet the wealth of the Temple was gathered each day within feet of him. My commentary told another story: "Thomas Aquinas visited the pope at a time when large sums of money were being counted. The pope boasted, "We need no longer say with Peter, ‘Silver and gold I do not have!' Aquinas replied, ‘Neither can you say with Peter, ‘Rise up and walk!' "
I think it's vital that, as the Church, we exam both what we're doing AND what we're not doing, on a regular basis, in order that we can constantly insure that we are being the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth while He resides in Heaven at God's right hand.
Father, help me to be about Your will with those in need both physically and spiritually. Don't let me forget that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 4:1-22 Being A Powerful Witness
This chapter reads like a modern political thriller. The Sadducees fill the bill nicely, as my commentary tells us: "They were the liberals, the advanced thinkers, the modern-thought people of the day ... They are liberal to everybod
This chapter reads like a modern political thriller. The Sadducees fill the bill nicely, as my commentary tells us: "They were the liberals, the advanced thinkers, the modern-thought people of the day ... They are liberal to everybody, except to those who hold the truth; and for those they have a reserve of concentrated bitterness ... They are so liberal to their brother errorists that they have no tolerance to spare for evangelicals." Boy, that sounds familiar!
They arrested Peter and John immediately after they'd healed the man who they'd never been able to heal - the man who'd begged every day at the gate of the Temple. So the first persecution arose from the religious leaders. My commentary added, "Dry, formal religion is ever intolerant of enthusiastic, vital evangelism that produces results in hearts and lives."
"It was embarrassing for the Sanhedrin to have this over-40 healed cripple in the courtroom. There was no denying that a miracle had taken place ... THE ARGUMENT OF A REDEEMED LIFE IS UNASSAILABLE."
All they could do was threaten them not to speak again about Jesus. I loved their answer: "You decide what God would want. Should we obey you or God? We cannot keep quiet." Always before, obeying the Sanhedrin was tantamount to obeying God. Now they find themselves in the unenviable position of publicly siding against God, and there's no denying it!
The Sanhedrin couldn't help but notice Peter and John's self-control, their empowered lives, and their fearlessness. How the Holy Spirit can change a life devoted to Christ!
Father, help me to have their self-control, their empowered lives, and their fearlessness when I'm talking with others about Christ. I believe what they stated. There is no salvation without Him. He is the exclusive Savior.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
They arrested Peter and John immediately after they'd healed the man who they'd never been able to heal - the man who'd begged every day at the gate of the Temple. So the first persecution arose from the religious leaders. My commentary added, "Dry, formal religion is ever intolerant of enthusiastic, vital evangelism that produces results in hearts and lives."
"It was embarrassing for the Sanhedrin to have this over-40 healed cripple in the courtroom. There was no denying that a miracle had taken place ... THE ARGUMENT OF A REDEEMED LIFE IS UNASSAILABLE."
All they could do was threaten them not to speak again about Jesus. I loved their answer: "You decide what God would want. Should we obey you or God? We cannot keep quiet." Always before, obeying the Sanhedrin was tantamount to obeying God. Now they find themselves in the unenviable position of publicly siding against God, and there's no denying it!
The Sanhedrin couldn't help but notice Peter and John's self-control, their empowered lives, and their fearlessness. How the Holy Spirit can change a life devoted to Christ!
Father, help me to have their self-control, their empowered lives, and their fearlessness when I'm talking with others about Christ. I believe what they stated. There is no salvation without Him. He is the exclusive Savior.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 4:23-37 How They Did It
Some have attempted to use these verses to espouse communism or socialism, trying to say that those opposing a redistribution of wealth are opposing the very ideas that the first church followed. In verses 32-35, we read, "All those in
Some have attempted to use these verses to espouse communism or socialism, trying to say that those opposing a redistribution of wealth are opposing the very ideas that the first church followed.
In verses 32-35, we read, "All those in the group acted as though their private property belonged to everyone in the group. In fact, they shared everything ... No one in the group needed anything. From time to time those who owned fields or houses sold them, brought the money, and gave it to the apostles. Then the money was given to anyone who needed it."
My commentary specifically spoke to their "support communism" error:
The sale of property was quite voluntary.
The right of possession was not abolished.
The community did not control the money until it had voluntarily been given to the Apostles.
The distribution was not made equally but according to need ... It was not an arbitrary equal division at one particular time.... These are not communistic principles. This is Christian charity in its finest display."
One other thing I noted was their prayer life. They called out as one to God, addressing Him as "Absolute Master". They wove scripture into the body of their prayers, and they acknowledged that God had directed their political leaders to His ends and not those of the leaders, despite their best efforts.
Father, as I observe the political scene in America, help me to remember what these early Christians did and the trust they placed in You. Help me to show Your love to others in the same way.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
In verses 32-35, we read, "All those in the group acted as though their private property belonged to everyone in the group. In fact, they shared everything ... No one in the group needed anything. From time to time those who owned fields or houses sold them, brought the money, and gave it to the apostles. Then the money was given to anyone who needed it."
My commentary specifically spoke to their "support communism" error:
The sale of property was quite voluntary.
The right of possession was not abolished.
The community did not control the money until it had voluntarily been given to the Apostles.
The distribution was not made equally but according to need ... It was not an arbitrary equal division at one particular time.... These are not communistic principles. This is Christian charity in its finest display."
One other thing I noted was their prayer life. They called out as one to God, addressing Him as "Absolute Master". They wove scripture into the body of their prayers, and they acknowledged that God had directed their political leaders to His ends and not those of the leaders, despite their best efforts.
Father, as I observe the political scene in America, help me to remember what these early Christians did and the trust they placed in You. Help me to show Your love to others in the same way.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 5 -- Pretending Total Dedication
Ananias and his wife Sapphira lost their lives because they claimed they'd given the entire proceeds from the sale of their land to the church when they'd actually kept some of the money. God was "showing His displeasure at this fi
Ananias and his wife Sapphira lost their lives because they claimed they'd given the entire proceeds from the sale of their land to the church when they'd actually kept some of the money. God was "showing His displeasure at this first eruption of sin in His church," my commentary said. "They pretended a total dedication, while actually they held some back."
I know that last observation was talking about their money, but as I looked at it in my commentary, highlighted and starred, I thought that it's about more than the money. I think there are times when all of us pretend a total dedication of our lives to Jesus, yet like Ananias and his wife, we hold back certain parts of it for ourselves. I'm as guilty as the next person.
Why do we do that? Is it that we fear losing that last little bit of "sinful us"? Why would we want to keep that, anymore than we might ask a surgeon to please leave just a little of an infected appendix inside us?
It's got to be our sin nature talking - Satan working desperately within us, lying to us, and telling us that the part we're wanting to keep is the real us and if we do away with it, then we will effectively cease to exist. That is exactly the opposite of the truth. It's only then that we will effectively begin to live the life God has planned for us, fully in His will. Why do we feel so entitled to have the right to sin just a little?
Father, thank You for revealing this insidious lie of Satan. I know in my intellect that You're right. Now, God, please firmly plant it in my heart that that sin nature is not the real me. It's a counterfeit masquerading as me. Give me a willing spirit to make Your will my actual life.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
I know that last observation was talking about their money, but as I looked at it in my commentary, highlighted and starred, I thought that it's about more than the money. I think there are times when all of us pretend a total dedication of our lives to Jesus, yet like Ananias and his wife, we hold back certain parts of it for ourselves. I'm as guilty as the next person.
Why do we do that? Is it that we fear losing that last little bit of "sinful us"? Why would we want to keep that, anymore than we might ask a surgeon to please leave just a little of an infected appendix inside us?
It's got to be our sin nature talking - Satan working desperately within us, lying to us, and telling us that the part we're wanting to keep is the real us and if we do away with it, then we will effectively cease to exist. That is exactly the opposite of the truth. It's only then that we will effectively begin to live the life God has planned for us, fully in His will. Why do we feel so entitled to have the right to sin just a little?
Father, thank You for revealing this insidious lie of Satan. I know in my intellect that You're right. Now, God, please firmly plant it in my heart that that sin nature is not the real me. It's a counterfeit masquerading as me. Give me a willing spirit to make Your will my actual life.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 6 -- Handling Good Problems
"If the devil cannot destroy by attacks from without, he will seek to overthrow by dissension within," my commentary stated as the chapter opened, and it's very easy to see that happening here: "The number of followers was
"If the devil cannot destroy by attacks from without, he will seek to overthrow by dissension within," my commentary stated as the chapter opened, and it's very easy to see that happening here:
"The number of followers was growing, but...."
(There's an implied negative consequence coming, isn't there?)
"... _____________ followers had an argument with __________ followers."
We could fill in the blanks today with any number of adjectives. Yet this is part of an actual verse describing the first church. It's been going on that long.
This was at least a bilingual church. Women who'd lost their husbands had joined and in many cases they had great economic needs, for women were still treated as property in the region and no government programs like social security were in place to help. Those who spoke the local language - Hebrew - were understanding the system of distribution and being served well. The Greek speakers may have been marginalized simply because they didn't understand or couldn't be understood, and this perceived inequity caused feelings to be hurt.
The apostles, knowing that their duties were to teach and preach, wisely delegated authority rather than trying to be all things to all people. Rather than choosing the men themselves, they even suggested that the group of believers do the selecting, seeking out men who were good, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom.
Most of those chosen had Greek-sounding names. My commentary noted that this was "certainly a most gracious concession to the very group that had made the complaint." They couldn't cry favoritism again. In doing this, they demonstrated that "when the love of God fills men's hearts, it triumphs over pettiness and selfishness," my commentary added.
Yet what a shame it was that any feelings had been hurt at all. Unfortunately, it still happens today. We have so many great ministries going on at our church, and sometimes our plans can cause some overlap. Rather than counting our blessings that we have such "good problems", it can be all too easy to attempt to defend our own turf against invasion. In such times, it is all the more important to consider the sensitivities of all and guard not only our tongues but our thoughts as well, for we do not want to become a door that allows Satan a foothold.
Father, thank You for good problems. Help us to see things from Your perspective and not our own. Give us Your wisdom in dealing with each problem so that we may honor YOU in all that we do.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
"The number of followers was growing, but...."
(There's an implied negative consequence coming, isn't there?)
"... _____________ followers had an argument with __________ followers."
We could fill in the blanks today with any number of adjectives. Yet this is part of an actual verse describing the first church. It's been going on that long.
This was at least a bilingual church. Women who'd lost their husbands had joined and in many cases they had great economic needs, for women were still treated as property in the region and no government programs like social security were in place to help. Those who spoke the local language - Hebrew - were understanding the system of distribution and being served well. The Greek speakers may have been marginalized simply because they didn't understand or couldn't be understood, and this perceived inequity caused feelings to be hurt.
The apostles, knowing that their duties were to teach and preach, wisely delegated authority rather than trying to be all things to all people. Rather than choosing the men themselves, they even suggested that the group of believers do the selecting, seeking out men who were good, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom.
Most of those chosen had Greek-sounding names. My commentary noted that this was "certainly a most gracious concession to the very group that had made the complaint." They couldn't cry favoritism again. In doing this, they demonstrated that "when the love of God fills men's hearts, it triumphs over pettiness and selfishness," my commentary added.
Yet what a shame it was that any feelings had been hurt at all. Unfortunately, it still happens today. We have so many great ministries going on at our church, and sometimes our plans can cause some overlap. Rather than counting our blessings that we have such "good problems", it can be all too easy to attempt to defend our own turf against invasion. In such times, it is all the more important to consider the sensitivities of all and guard not only our tongues but our thoughts as well, for we do not want to become a door that allows Satan a foothold.
Father, thank You for good problems. Help us to see things from Your perspective and not our own. Give us Your wisdom in dealing with each problem so that we may honor YOU in all that we do.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 7 -- The Mistakes We Repeat
To someone casually reading this chapter, it might almost seem as though Stephen was reciting Israel's history in order to delay his execution, but nothing could be farther from the truth. My commentary brought up key reasons why he recount
To someone casually reading this chapter, it might almost seem as though Stephen was reciting Israel's history in order to delay his execution, but nothing could be farther from the truth. My commentary brought up key reasons why he recounted the various stories. He wanted them to see "that the Jewish people were guilty on at least two previous occasions of rejecting saviors whom God had raised up to deliver them" - Moses and Joseph. Now they'd rejected Jesus.
What application can we draw from that today? "History repeats itself. In every generation we can find the same pattern:
People are the same. When confronted with God's message, they do not understand. When urged to live at peace, they refuse to listen. When given a God-sent deliverer, they reject him. When rescued from an evil situation, they prefer useless idols to the merciful God. Such is human nature - rebellious, ungrateful, foolish.
God is the same. ... merciful, powerful, holy. He is always the same, whatever happens.
Father, forgive me for repeating the same patterns of sins that You call me out of. You are holy and unchanging. You are deserving of far better than I offer. Please guide me to live my life honoring You rather than causing You pain.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
What application can we draw from that today? "History repeats itself. In every generation we can find the same pattern:
People are the same. When confronted with God's message, they do not understand. When urged to live at peace, they refuse to listen. When given a God-sent deliverer, they reject him. When rescued from an evil situation, they prefer useless idols to the merciful God. Such is human nature - rebellious, ungrateful, foolish.
God is the same. ... merciful, powerful, holy. He is always the same, whatever happens.
Father, forgive me for repeating the same patterns of sins that You call me out of. You are holy and unchanging. You are deserving of far better than I offer. Please guide me to live my life honoring You rather than causing You pain.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 8 -- Possessing Christ
Stephen's murder by the Jewish rulers suddenly resulted in the hasty departure from Jerusalem of most all of the followers of Christ, except for the apostles. My commentary reminded me that Jesus had told them, "You will be my witnesse
Stephen's murder by the Jewish rulers suddenly resulted in the hasty departure from Jerusalem of most all of the followers of Christ, except for the apostles. My commentary reminded me that Jesus had told them, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world." So far, they'd remained in Jerusalem. Now God was in effect using the persecution to push them out of the nest as it were, to move forward according to His plan.
Philip had travelled to Samaria to preach, where he'd encountered Simon - a well-known sorcerer - who professed to having become a Christian. Peter and John soon joined Philip and laid hands on the believers there so they might receive the Holy Spirit. Simon was amazed by what he saw, as the Holy Spirit came upon each person. He wanted that ability so much that he offered money to get it. Peter immediately called him out as a "professor" but not a "possessor" of Christian faith.
Having asked the disciples to pray to God for him, "He was the forerunner of those who would rather go to a human mediator than to the Lord Himself," my commentary said. Simon asked, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me." In other words, "he wasn't sorry for his sin, but only for the consequences which it might bring on him."
The man Philip encountered next, however, was totally the opposite! The Ethiopian eunuch was reading the Scriptures while travelling in his chariot away from Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit led Philip to trot along beside the chariot. What a sight that must have been! Philip simply asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" And with the answer the man gave, Philip led him to Christ. Simon was a professor, while the eunuch became a possessor of Christ.
Father, thank You for showing me the difference years ago, and help me to help others to become possessors and not mere professors.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Philip had travelled to Samaria to preach, where he'd encountered Simon - a well-known sorcerer - who professed to having become a Christian. Peter and John soon joined Philip and laid hands on the believers there so they might receive the Holy Spirit. Simon was amazed by what he saw, as the Holy Spirit came upon each person. He wanted that ability so much that he offered money to get it. Peter immediately called him out as a "professor" but not a "possessor" of Christian faith.
Having asked the disciples to pray to God for him, "He was the forerunner of those who would rather go to a human mediator than to the Lord Himself," my commentary said. Simon asked, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me." In other words, "he wasn't sorry for his sin, but only for the consequences which it might bring on him."
The man Philip encountered next, however, was totally the opposite! The Ethiopian eunuch was reading the Scriptures while travelling in his chariot away from Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit led Philip to trot along beside the chariot. What a sight that must have been! Philip simply asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" And with the answer the man gave, Philip led him to Christ. Simon was a professor, while the eunuch became a possessor of Christ.
Father, thank You for showing me the difference years ago, and help me to help others to become possessors and not mere professors.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Acts 9 -- Seeing The Light
Saul was on fire for God, or so he thought. He'd watched the growth of the Christ-believers, and saw it as a threat to his own religion. So with zeal he took on the task of eradicating this cancer from the face of the earth.
Saul was on fire for God, or so he thought. He'd watched the growth of the Christ-believers, and saw it as a threat to his own religion. So with zeal he took on the task of eradicating this cancer from the face of the earth.
Fast forward to a dirt road 150 miles north of Jerusalem. Saul lies on the shoulder, blind and scared to death. He's been confronted by the One he was sure was dead. He sees Him not standing next to him in the country, but standing next to God in heaven! But the seeing wasn't enough. He has to listen as the Savior of the world asks him, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?" It must have rocked him to the core to hear his name called out from heaven! It caused him to hit the floor when he was asked to explain why he was working against God! What a mind-shift that had to have been - to have been so absolutely convinced that he was doing the right thing only to find that he was the criminal, not his prey!
As Max Lucado said, he'd been "hell-bent on keeping the kingdom pure," never dreaming that he'd been hell-bound. "Humble" would barely begin to describe how he must have felt. But once God gets our attention, change is inevitable. Saul rechanneled all of that zeal to the One who'd called his name and in so doing called him out of his wrong-headed thinking and into the light of God's grace, proving that God can use anyone. He doesn't want or need our ability, only our availability.
Father, thank You for pulling me out of my own wrong-headedness. Thank You for calling out my name and calling me into Your service. Thank You for forgiveness so total that I don't even have to keep saying, "I'm sorry for what I'd done!" Your grace is enough for me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Fast forward to a dirt road 150 miles north of Jerusalem. Saul lies on the shoulder, blind and scared to death. He's been confronted by the One he was sure was dead. He sees Him not standing next to him in the country, but standing next to God in heaven! But the seeing wasn't enough. He has to listen as the Savior of the world asks him, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?" It must have rocked him to the core to hear his name called out from heaven! It caused him to hit the floor when he was asked to explain why he was working against God! What a mind-shift that had to have been - to have been so absolutely convinced that he was doing the right thing only to find that he was the criminal, not his prey!
As Max Lucado said, he'd been "hell-bent on keeping the kingdom pure," never dreaming that he'd been hell-bound. "Humble" would barely begin to describe how he must have felt. But once God gets our attention, change is inevitable. Saul rechanneled all of that zeal to the One who'd called his name and in so doing called him out of his wrong-headed thinking and into the light of God's grace, proving that God can use anyone. He doesn't want or need our ability, only our availability.
Father, thank You for pulling me out of my own wrong-headedness. Thank You for calling out my name and calling me into Your service. Thank You for forgiveness so total that I don't even have to keep saying, "I'm sorry for what I'd done!" Your grace is enough for me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
No comments:
Post a Comment